Buddhist Solutions for Problems Caused by Greed in Consumption

Phramaha Phenphark Thitamano, Phra Methawinairos Sutep

Abstract

In the study, its main purposes were: 1) to study the greed in consumption according to Buddhism, 2) to study problems caused by greed in consumption and 3) to propose a way in dealing with problems caused by greed in consumption according to Buddhism. This research is a qualitative research. It was done through collecting data from Tipit ฺ̣aka, commentaries, sub-commentaries and literary works and sub-literary works including related materials and In-depth interview.The Greed in consumption according to Buddhism basically refers to a form of unmindful consumption; one consumed four requisites and used things without consideration on whether they are of true or false value. As regards the problems caused by greed in consumption, there are many problems: 1) there is a problem of moral misbehaviors, it can be solved by likelihood, mindfulness and wisdom: 2) there is a problem of corruption, it can be solved by moral shame and moral dread and the monastic regulations 3) there is a problem of interrelationship, it can be solved by giving, six directions, 4) there is a problem of health, it can be solved by mindful consumption of four requisites in moderate manner. 5) there is a problem of freedom for being happy, it can be solved by observation of Uposathasĩla, following householders’ sets of happiness, 6) there is a problem of lack of opportunity in getting oneself developed, it can be solved by contentment, right effort Sammãvãyãma and benefits in the present of the principles of Ditthahammikattha and 7) there is a problem of environment, it can be solved by wisdom, that is right view.